Doing his best to help

WHAT a rich source of humour is available from the things people say when defending their actions.

American Indian chief on why he pulled out of talks with officials from the Clinton administration: ''We used to trust the American Government, but now we have our reservations.'' Italian politician resigning after accusations that he and his colleagues were on the take: ''I'm quitting - I've had as much as I can take.'' Former Hongkong chief secretary Sir David Akers-Jones on being accused of betrayal for accepting a Beijing offer to become a Hongkong adviser: ''I am doing my best to help Hongkong and to secure a good and happy future for Hongkong.'' Funny, eh?